Tragic Debs student Jessica laid to rest today

Loughrea student, Jessica Moore (19), who passed away following a Debs function in Gullane’s Hotel in Ballinasloe on Monday, will be laid to rest today (Thursday).

The St. Raphael’s College student had been celebrating with friends when she complained of feeling ill in the early hours of Monday morning.

It is understood the alarm was raised by Jessica’s friends after she fell ill and collapsed. Despite desperate efforts by medics, the tragic student was pronounced dead at Portiuncula Hospital.

A Garda spokesperson described her death as a “horrific tragedy” and said that statements would be taken from students at the event as well as anyone else who came into contact with Jessica. They confirmed that CCTV would form part of the investigation and that a postmortem was also due to take place.

A notice posted online alongside funeral arrangements earlier this week read: “To the inexpressible grief of her heartbroken parents Brendan and Catherine. Cherished and much-loved sister of Cian and Ali”.

Jessica’s father, Brendan, described Jessica as “an angel” in a tribute posted online.

“My little girl is now an angel. There’s always going to be an irreplaceable hole in our lives.

“Rest easy Jess, you’ll never be forgotten”.

Jessica will be laid to rest today following funeral Mass at 1 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballaun.